Charred cedar clads the exterior of this garden room that architect Neil Dusheiko designed as an office-cum-yoga studio for a north London residence (+ slideshow).
Described by the architect as a “dark jewel”, the twelve-square-metre construction was developed to provide the clients with a workspace, a children’s playroom and an location for practising yoga.
Located at the end of the garden of a Victorian residence in Camden, the layout had to react to the limitations of a conservation area, the near proximity of trees and surrounding neighbours.
“The clientele wished an further area for their household away from the major residence that was effortlessly available that they could use in a variety of different approaches,” said London-primarily based Neil Dusheiko, who also not too long ago finished a property extension with a pop-up cinema area.
Connected story: Backyard annex by De Smet Vermeulen sits on the edge of an orchard
“We wished the pavilion to sit quietly in the background and retain a bit of mystery,” he told Dezeen. “It is this perform of a ‘dark box’ in the backyard, and the contrast of its square geometry in its all-natural setting that helps make it operate well.”
The cedar planks that clad the constructing were charred using the conventional Japanese approach acknowledged as Shou Sugi Ban, which make them resistant to rot and fire.
The outcomes of the procedure are not able to be managed, making it possible for for a richness of texture, colour and grain.
Two vertical windows break up the backyard dealing with facade, emphasising the route of the blackened wooden planks. One folds up above the roof to develop a skylight.
“We named this task the Shadow Shed since of its perform of light and shadow,” explained Dusheiko. “We have imagined it as a warm comforting room inside with a darker outer skin outside.”
“At night, the black timber completely disappears in the darkness and the windows glow like lanterns in the garden,” he additional.
A light birch plywood interior contrasts the dark exterior. It was also utilised to generate created-in furniture, like window seats, shelving and a desk.
To the side, a pair of glazed folding doors gives the entrance and even more normal light. Facing the doors outside is a small deck area with a bench running along the garden wall.
3 kinds of artificial lighting are utilised to light the area for various pursuits. Colour shifting fibre optics are organized on the ceiling in a constellation-like pattern, although recessed LED strips and tube lighting are fitted by the window and in the ceiling.
The ground is excavated close to the trees, permitting the shed to be somewhat sunken into the earth to lessen its scale. A recessed concrete base – designed with the support of an arboriculturist – provides safety for the tree roots.
Norwegian studio Jarmund/Vigsnæs Architects previously designed a cabin for the end of a backyard in Oslo that frames different views of its surroundings, although a garden studio by Serge Schoemaker also features a dark exterior and a light-filled interior.
Plan – click for greater image 
Part – click for greater image 
Comprehensive plan – click for greater picture 
In depth part – click for more substantial image 
